The Kentucky Golf Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant: Luke Elliott, Candice Tanmas, Claire Reynolds, and Grace Soale. These outstanding junior golfers have demonstrated both exceptional talent and dedication to the sport, and the grant will support their efforts to compete at higher levels. We congratulate each of them and look forward to seeing their continued success on and off the course.

Luke Elliott

Luke Elliott, a dedicated 13-year-old junior golfer, is a proud 2025 recipient of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant. With dreams of playing on the PGA Tour, Luke’s commitment to the game shines through his disciplined training and competitive success. “Golf has taught me life lessons like positivity, sportsmanship, humility, and having fun no matter the outcome,” Luke shared.

Luke has earned impressive finishes, including 7th at the 2024 National Championship in Orlando and 3rd at the Boys Notah Begay Regional. As an 8th grader playing varsity golf, he posted a low round of 70 and a season average of 74.4. His dedication extends beyond practice—working with strength, golf, and mental coaches, and studying the game off the course.

Grateful for his family’s sacrifices, Luke said, “This grant would ease their financial burden and let me compete in more tournaments.” With goals to compete in AJGA events and continue growing both mentally and physically, Luke is a deserving and inspiring representative of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Fund.

Candice Tanmas

Candice Tanmas, an emerging talent and future freshman at Frederick Douglass High School, is honored to be a 2025 recipient of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant. Candice is a dedicated golfer who brings determination, discipline, and a deep passion for the sport. With her sights set on earning a college scholarship and eventually playing on the LPGA Tour or internationally, she understands that every round, win or lose, is a step forward. “Winning is the best feeling,” she shared, “but enjoying the moment—playing golf with others who are just as dedicated as I am—goes way beyond winning. It’s about the bonds, the sportsmanship, and the fun in golf.”

Despite financial limitations, Candice continues to pursue every opportunity to compete, learn, and grow. She’s already earned strong finishes in events like the PKBGT and has accepted entry into the AJGA tournament at Bethpage Blue. The Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant will help her access more competitive tournaments, boosting her resume, skills, and experiences. “This grant gives me the opportunity to unlock so much more and experience the fun in golf,” she said. Through golf, Candice has also developed life skills—mental focus, emotional control, and strategic thinking—that shape her both as an athlete and as a person. Her character, work ethic, and enthusiasm make her a standout representative of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Fund.

Claire Reynolds

Claire Reynolds, a dedicated junior golfer from Daviess High School, is a 2025 recipient of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant. Since starting golf at age six, Claire has developed her game through countless hours of practice and competition, fueled by a passion introduced by her father. Her strong work ethic and sportsmanship shine both on and off the course.

Claire’s impressive 2024 season includes standout performances in high school and junior tournaments, such as winning the DCIT at Pearl Club, the Lady Scottie Invitational at Willow Oaks, and the Christian County Invitational at Western Hills. She also secured top finishes at the Trigg County Invitational, Hopkinsville Invitational, and the Paducah Tillman Invitational. Additionally, Claire has competed in prestigious junior tours including the GolfWeek Junior Tour and the AJGA Visit Owensboro Junior Championship, where she earned a top-10 finish.

“I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant,” Claire said. “This opportunity will allow me to compete in more tournaments and gain exposure to college coaches, helping me move closer to my dream of playing collegiate golf. It also eases the financial burden on my family, enabling me to focus on my development and proudly represent the Kentucky Golf Foundation.”

Claire’s dedication, integrity, and potential make her a deserving recipient and a proud ambassador of the foundation.

Grace Soale

Grace Soale, a standout junior golfer from Lexington Christian Academy, is a 2025 recipient of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant. Over the past two years, Grace has dedicated herself to year-round training with PGA-level coaches, while maintaining a 4.26 GPA and excelling in math and science. Her commitment includes weekly 90-minute drives to The Golf Academy in Louisville and hours of practice each week. The results speak for themselves: a GHIN drop from 7 to 1.3, a stronger JGS ranking, and consistent top-10 finishes in the 2024 KHSAA season. “Please share my thanks with the members of the committee for selecting me, as I’m so thankful for this opportunity,” Grace said. “I look forward to the future golf opportunities that this grant will give me and representing the foundation to the best of my abilities. I can’t thank you all enough!!” Grace’s drive, discipline, and poise make her a deserving recipient and a proud representative of the Kentucky Golf Foundation.

The Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant for Junior Golfers

The Kentucky Golf Foundation is proud to offer the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant, supporting junior golfers in Kentucky who face financial barriers to competing in regional and national tournaments. This grant helps cover travel, entry fees, and other competition-related expenses, giving young athletes the opportunity to gain exposure and pursue college scholarships.

About Gay Brewer, Jr.
Gay Brewer’s legendary golf career began with three consecutive Kentucky High School Golf Boys Championships (1949–1951)—a record that still stands. He won the 1949 U.S. Junior Championship and remains the only Kentuckian to earn that title. As an amateur, he captured the 1951 Kentucky Open, two Kentucky State Amateur titles, and the 1952 Southern Amateur Championship.

His professional career included 11 PGA Tour wins, highlighted by the 1967 Masters. He also represented the U.S. in Ryder Cup victories in 1967 and 1973, and was inducted into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame in 1989. Brewer learned the game at Lexington’s Picadome Golf Course, now named the Gay Brewer, Jr. Golf Course in his honor.

Following his passing in 2007, the Gay Brewer, Jr. Fund was established by family and friends to honor his legacy by helping young Kentucky golfers pursue their dreams.

Eligibility
Open to junior golfers residing in Kentucky who need financial assistance to compete at the regional or national level.